Alaska Marine Highway SystemLeaves from: Juneau's Auke Bay Terminal Alaska's ferries cover 3,500 miles of coastline, but the 150-mile voyage across the Inside Passage from Juneau to Sitka is extraordinary. The 10-hour trip takes you past humpback whales, sea otters, black bears, pristine spruce and hemlock forests, and the sprawling, blue-tinged Mendenhall Glacier. In clear weather you can see the spectacular peaks of the Coast Mountains. The ship's outdoor heated solarium lets you bask in the views while fending off cold winds; indoors, the ship's cafeteria serves local salmon and beer brewed in Alaska.Can I bring a car? YesCost: Adults $45 one way, kids $23, cars $79More info:dot.state.ak.usPhotos:1 of 3

Seattle to Bainbridge Island, Wash.Leaves from: Seattle Main Terminal, Pier 52 Glide past sailboats and cruise liners on this quick hop across Puget Sound, with views of Seattle's skyline and the snow-covered flanks of the Cascade Range. Weather permitting, you can even make out the 14,410-foot peak of Mount Rainier, about 100 miles away. Disembark on Bainbridge and spend the day exploring the island's hiking trails and downtown cafés (try the caramel pecan French toast at Café Nola), then time your return trip to watch the dusk settle over Puget Sound, and the city itself.Can I bring a car? Yes. And to get to Bainbridge's hiking trails, you'll need one. You can also pick up a cab at the dock, but you might have a hard time getting back.Cost: Adults $6.75 one way, kids $5.50, cars, $11.50, bikes $1More info:wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/Photos:1 of 4

Staten Island Ferry, New York CityLeaves from: Whitehall Terminal See classic views of the city's skyline and the Statue of Liberty from the decks of this massive, bright-orange passenger ferry. Depart from Manhattan about an hour before sunset, grab a soft pretzel and a beer from the snack bar, find your sweet spot on the multi-decked vessel, and enjoy the show. Then hitch a ride on the next ferry back as darkness falls and the city's skyscrapers light up, and do it all over again.Can I bring a car? NoCost: FreeMore info:nyc.govPhotos:1 of 3

San Francisco to Sausalito, Calif.Leaves from: San Francisco Ferry Terminal It's about 30 minutes one-way on this ferry from San Francisco to Sausalito. The ferry sells wine and beer, so you can toast good times with friends as you skirt past Alcatraz Island and take in the views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Get off the ferry at Sausalito and walk among the town's cute art galleries and shops or stop for fresh seafood at the many waterfront restaurants. Cyclists can bring bikes (yes, the ferry has bike racks) and tour Sausalito's colorful hillside homes before pedaling back across the Golden Gate Bridge.Can I bring a car? NoCost: Adult $7.50 one way, kids 6–18 and seniors $3.75, bikes freeMore info:goldengateferry.org Photos:1 of 3

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The snow will melt! We promise! And Budget Travelers know that there's no time like spring to visit brag-worthy beaches and celebrated cities—for a fraction of what the crowds will be paying in summer! From the shores of the Atlantic to party towns like Vegas and NOLA, we've got stylish steals for a spring break that won't break the bank.